|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
Matthew Bartholomew has spent over a year traveling the world in an attempt to find Matilde. She had left Cambridge after deciding he would never propose. Matt 's travels took him all through Europe but he returns to England empty-handed. His friend Michael has been selected to serve as a cathedral canon in the town of Lincoln. Matt agrees to accompany Michael to Lincoln as Matilde once lived there. Not only will he be supporting his friend, he will also be able to continue his search for Matilde or someone who might know where she is. The town of Lincoln is in uproar. A man has been found murdered at one of the religious houses. No one knows who killed him or why. The dead man was discovered clutching a Holy Relic that disappeared many years before. In addition the preparation for the Miller Fair and the installation of the new canons has everyone busy. Rumbling in the background is the open dispute among the merchants and the townspeople. Matt and Michael find themselves investigating the murder in response to pressure from above. The two men have their work cut out for them, as the town is a powder keg waiting to explode. Shortly after beginning their investigation, Matt's life is threatened and other men are murdered. Matt and Michael must learn the truth about the Hugh Chalice and the murder before the killer decides they should be his next targets. THE TARNISHED CHALICE is the 12th mystery to feature Matthew Bartholomew. This book builds upon the character development and relationships begun in earlier books. Matt and Michael are good friends even though their characters are vastly different. With each new adventure and criminal investigation they share, the stronger their friendship becomes. Both men are also able to use each other's strengths when investigating a crime. All of the books in the Matthew Bartholomew series provide a glimpse into the world of the 14th century. These books show political events, societal norms, threats and the role of religion in daily life. The Black Plague and its continued impact on society appear in this book. While the Plague has disappeared, society fears its return and society feels its impact, as the population is still low in convents, churches, towns and villages. Gregory's ability to present the defining moments of the Middle Ages while still providing an entertaining story sets THE TARNISHED CHALICE and the entire series apart from other historical mysteries.
Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, June 2006
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
